For many families, the back-to-school season brings excitement and anticipation. However, for families managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), it can also be a time of concern and uncertainty. Questions like "Will the school work collaboratively to support my child?" or "Will staff understand my child’s medical needs to ensure they thrive?" are common and valid. To help navigate this transition, we’ve gathered a selection of valuable resources from Diabetes at School to get you started.
Individual Care Plan
The Canadian Paediatric Society, the Canadian Pediatric Endocrine Group, and Diabetes Canada all recommend that every student with diabetes have an individual care plan in place for school. This plan clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of school staff, parents, and the student in managing diabetes during the school day. Below is a link to the Diabetes at School care plan, available in three different formats. They also offer a convenient quick-reference sheet that highlights the key daily tasks required to support students with diabetes.
Ten Things School Staff Should Know About Type 1 Diabetes
“Ten Things School Staff Should Know About Type 1 Diabetes” is an excellent, bite-sized introduction to T1D, created by Diabetes at School. This printable and shareable poster highlights ten key facts every educator should know, making it a great starting point for school staff learning how to support students with Type 1 Diabetes.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes At School: An online course for educators and school staff
This self-guided online course is designed for school staff and can be completed as many times as needed. It offers a more in-depth and comprehensive approach to understanding Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), using videos, case studies, and multiple-choice questions to support learning and retention.